Managing the Christmas blues

Christmas is a time of strong emotions, reflections on lost loved ones and stress from shopping and preparing for seasonal parties.

“This is the time of the year when people are vulnerable to depression, anyway,” said Dr. Angelos Halaris, a psychiatrist with the Loyola University Health System. “The holiday season alone is a burden. Add to that the fact that these are difficult times economically. All of these things can help depression gain a foothold in certain individuals.”

Managing the Christmas blues
The first thing to keep in mind is that the Christmas or holiday blues will not last forever. These feelings can often be a response to an interruption in your normal schedule and routine that bring you comfort, leaving you feeling out of balance and out of control.

1. If you struggle with the Christmas blues, one of the most important things you can do is take good care of yourself.
This includes things like eating right, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest. Setting realistic goals can help you feel less stressed which, in turn, will help reduce the feelings associated with the Christmas blues, especially with your time and budget. Doing this will keep you from feeling over extended in many ways and relieve some of the many stresses that occur during the holidays.

2. Create personal ways to celebrate the holidays.
Don’t feel obliged to celebrate Christmas with family or friends from whom you feel disconnected. The right way for you to celebrate is whatever works best for you.

3. Don’t fight the feeling of the Christmas blues.
Denial isn’t healthy. Recognize that there’s nothing wrong with the way you feel. Often you may feel guilty when you have the Christmas blues because you think there’s something wrong with you for not being happy over the holidays.

4. Spending time with family and friends can help with the Christmas blues, but this isn’t always possible.
Those of you who’re estranged from your family may feel depressed over the holidays because you’re alone. If this is the case, then try volunteering. Many organizations need help around the holidays, and volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Also, helping others provides a great emotional boost.

5. Another great way to help with the Christmas blues is to do something special.
No matter what it is, whether it is having a special meal and watching your favorite movies or going to a special place, doing something special and meaningful to you can help lift your spirits.

6. It’s important not to overindulge in food or alcohol.
This will only make the physical and emotional feelings worse later. It’s also important not to dwell on the past or anything negative. Remember it’s the past, and you can’t change anything. You can only change the present and the future, so focusing on those possibilities can keep your spirits high.

If you’re still struggling with the Christmas blues, seek help from a professional therapist.

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